Bahrain End GCC Handball Campaign in Style

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s national handball team concluded their GCC Games campaign yesterday with a 31-20 win over the UAE at Duhail Handball Sports Hall. Under Swedish head coach Robert Hedin, Bahrain entered the match already assured of the gold medal following their victory over Qatar. Nevertheless, still delivered a perfect finish to the tournament, going unbeaten and winning every match to cap off a dominant campaign.

The result adds to an impressive period for Bahraini handball. Earlier this year, Bahrain claimed their first-ever Asian title at the 2026 AHF Asian Men’s Handball Championship in Kuwait, a triumph that also secured qualification for the 2027 IHF World Men’s Handball Championship in Germany. Prior to that, the national team also claimed gold at the Islamic Solidarity Games last November, marking another historic milestone.

Against the UAE, Bahrain rotated their squad after sealing the title but still controlled the tempo from the outset. Jassim Khamis opened the scoring in the second minute, setting the tone for an early Bahraini lead. The UAE briefly found rhythm, though a disallowed goal for stepping on the six-metre line halted their momentum.

Bahrain gradually pulled away, with Jaffar Farsan and Salman Fadhel helping establish a 15-10 advantage by half-time. Their structured attack and defensive discipline limited the UAE’s opportunities, ensuring control even with a rotated lineup.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Mohamed Rabia finished a well-worked move to extend the lead before Ali Mohammed added further separation to make it 26-16. As the game opened up, Ahmed Fadhel struck twice in quick succession, first after a flowing team sequence and then again to push the score to 31-19. The UAE added a late consolation, but Bahrain remained firmly in control until the final whistle.

Youth player Ahmed Hussain also featured after Bahrain had already secured the title, marking an important milestone in his early international career. Speaking after his debut, he said: “Every time Bahrain steps onto the court, the objective is to win. That mentality is constant, regardless of the occasion. The senior players have been incredibly supportive, and I am grateful to be part of this team.”

He added: “Making my debut and winning gold at the same tournament is a moment I will always remember.”

His teammate Ahmed Al Fardan also reflected on the campaign, saying: “Alhamdulillah, we went unbeaten and won every match. It has been a strong and rewarding campaign for the team.”